Vacation Photos: Brussels

Atomium, Brussels. Designed by Andre' Waterkeyn.

Hello, my dears! My brother Michael and I just got back from Brussels after a really interesting journey. Oh yes, we had an absolutely wonderful trip and lots and lots of Belgian waffles. Thank you for being so sweet and leaving so many wonderful comments. I look forward to catching up on your lovely blogs as soon as possible.

Now, I'd love to share with you a few  of my Brussels photos, if you'd like to see.
Atomium, (photo above) the 102m/326ft high steel and aluminum structure is Brussels' best-known landmark.
Designed by architect Andre' Waterkeyn for the 1958 Brussels World Exhibition it represents a molecule of iron magnified 165 million times. (It is consist of 9 spheres). The topmost sphere of Atomium contains a restaurant and a viewing platform.

Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is the administrative center of the European Union. This has earned the city the title of the Capital of Europe since 1958 and in 1967 the administrative centre  of NATO.

The European Parliament.

The European Parliament is the legislative branch of the EU. It currently has 732 representative members of 25 countries, (members-states). Belgium has been culturally divided into French-speaking and Flemish (Dutch-speaking) parts. Nowadays many people are bilingual and speak German and English, too.

Brussels has been given its character by the coexistence of French and Flemish culture and is home to nationalities around the world.

A featured Quick Hamburger Restaurant in Brussels.

In general, the fabulous atmosphere of Brussels is enhanced by medieval cobblestone streets, lively squares, lovely boulevards, stunning monuments, parks (a lot of parks), cozy cafe's and welcoming cozy restaurants.
Brussels with its active cultural life is definitely a cosmopolitan
city.
I always visualized the spirit of Brussels as something creative,
spiritual, intellectual. Apparently this could not be more right.

The simplicity of neoclassical and ancient-Greek inspiration is 

broken by a very ornate decoration.

The Grand' Place (Market Place-1873) is the heart of the Old Town and the finest Gothic town square in Europe. The medieval layout of the lanes just seems to shunt you towards it. We wandered down twisty cobblestone streets. The buildings at Grand' Place were really breathtaking! 

I couldn't stop marvelling at all the magnificent Houses.

Baroque Guilty Houses at Grand' Place.

Baroque-is an artistic style prevalent from the late 16th century to the early 18th century. Bold, massing colonnades, domes, 

painterly colour effects. We were surprised to find the grandest of them suitably decorated with barley and hops, belonged to the Guild of Brewers.

The Town Hall at Grand' Place.

Town Hall is the most remarkable ancient monument of Brussels and also a wonderful example of Gothic architecture in Belgium. Town Hall is still the seat of the Mayor of Brussels.                                                                                                                                                              

When entering the Grand' Place from one of the seven side-streets my eyes were drawn to the Tower of the Town Hall pointing skywards.                                                                                       

The Fish Market with many lovely restaurants along the road.

We strolled in certain areas well- known for their gastronomic 

tables such as Place Sainte-Catherine known as the Fish Market. 

Brussels is also the Capital of gastronomy. 

I ordered an especially delicious meal of mussels mules marinieres with frites, (fries), a local specialty- which is to say truly international. That plate seemed almost too much to get through. We had also Tartar steak with Belgian fries, another Belgian specialty. I ordered a local crisp cherry-flavoured beer, called Kriek.

I couldn't resist ordering a dessert and it was fabulous -a homemade waffle- a classic dish which came in a plate with fresh cream and hot cherry sauce on top.

Oh my gosh, I fell in love with Belgian waffles!

Actually, it would be dishonest to write about Brussels laces, and tapestries. 

Did you know that Belgium produces no fewer than seven hundred beers? Brussels is arguably the capital of beer. We went to Maison Cirio by far the finest bar-a spacious saloon-in Brussels.      

Manneken-Pis, the small bronze fountain sculpture.

                                                         

The official spirit of Brussels has been a naked cheeky little boy 

gleefully urinating into the fountain's basin in public. Known as Manneken-Pis, the little bronze figure has been the subject of many conflicting legends.

It was designed by Jerome Duquesnoy and put in place in 1619. Its endure popularity is reflected in the number of expensively tailored costumes that are sent in from all over the world to clothe the naked statue on ceremonial occasions. These have ranged from American Army uniforms to matador outfits to Hawaiian folk-dress.                                                                                             

A beautiful chocolate shop in Brussels at Grand' Place.

There are also bike lanes in Brussels. Did you know that the traffic in Brussels is very low compare to other European capitals and drivers are very respectful toward cyclists? I was so taken by the magnificent Grand' Place, the  monuments, the fabulous laces, the tapestries, the Brussels waffles!   

                                                       

I'm officially obsessed with the city and would recommend it to any aspiring traveler. It had been such a wonderful trip and experience!                                                                                                                                                                                
Brussels made me feel satisfyingly at home.  xx